DRUG COURTS ARE GOOD INVESTMENT FOR STATE

During this last legislative session, we saw historic progress as the
debate at the state Capitol fundamentally changed for the better -the
biggest tax cuts in Oklahoma's history, stronger pro-life laws, new
investment into our roads and bridges and fundamental workers'
compensation reform to help Oklahoma businesses.

But there's one success story you may not have heard about. They're
called "drug courts."

This year, the Oklahoma Legislature invested $8 million in the
expansion of drug courts, tripling the investment in this program.
The new money will expand 22 existing courts and create 10 new courts
in the state. This innovative program sends qualifying drug offenders
to treatment rather than to a prison cell. The program includes close
supervision and constant drug testing.

Rep. Thad Balkman, R-Norman, chair of the House Appropriations and
Budget Subcommittee on Health and Social Services, led the way in
finding new dollars for the program.

Now thanks to this new commitment by the Legislature, Oklahoma leads
the nation in per-capita funding of drug courts.

Why are drug courts so important? They can help with prison
overcrowding by ensuring that hardened criminals are locked up while
also treating those who may be able to lead productive lives. 3,000
drug and alcohol defendants are expected to receive supervision and
treatment in the next year, instead of going to prison. And for those
who have walked into the terrible trap of drug abuse, these courts
offer hope they can get their lives back on track - meaning they
won't continue to be a drain on our state's economy. It's estimated
that the new $8 million investment in drug courts could save Oklahoma
taxpayers more than $35 million in reduced corrections costs alone.
By saving more than $35 million with drug courts, we can ensure that
spending on prisons goes toward the greatest need.

As we continue to fight for conservative values in our state,
innovative programs like drug courts help achieve the goals of better
public safety, a stronger judicial system and less crowded and more
efficient prisons. That's quite a return on the investment, and a
wise use of taxpayers' hard-earned money.

You can reach Hiett, R-Kellyville, at 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd, Room 401,
Oklahoma City, 73105, or (405) 557-7353.